Bayern Munich look set to finish second in their Champions League group yet again. Here’s a look at who they could face in the round of 16.
Two 3-0 wins, one 3-0 loss and a difficult 2-1 victory mean Bayern Munich currently sit in second place of Champions League Group B. Although only halfway through the group stage, Bayern are currently in a position where second is their only realistic finish.
On current form, Paris Saint-Germain are unlikely to drop points against Anderlecht or Celtic and, with a far superior goal difference to that of Bayern Munich, are unlikely to relinquish their top spot.
This could be the second season in a row that Bayern finish their Champions League group in second place. Before last season, the Bavarians had topped their group every year since the ’09-10 season under Louis Van Gaal. Bayern went on to reach the final of that campaign but were beaten 2-0 by Inter Milan.
Although finishing second guarantees a spot in the knockout stages, the opponents Bayern could face are all teams playing very dangerous soccer and could prove a huge challenge, regardless of recent form. Let’s have a look at who a second-placed Bayern could come up against.
Group A – Manchester United
The Red Devils have recently allowed Manchester City to widen the gap at the top of the Premiership. However, they currently have one of the best defensive records around. Having only conceded four goals in the league and one in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho’s trademark defensive tactics seem to be working. Couple that with the rising form of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku, and Manchester United look a team not to be underestimated.
Group C – Chelsea/AS Roma/Atletico Madrid
The race for first is still on for Chelsea, Roma and Atletico, any of which could come out on top of this “Group of Death.” Bayern have fond memories of AS Roma, beating them 7-1 in Rome just three seasons ago. However, their memories are somewhat sour in regards to the Altetico and Chelsea. A new and improved improving Bayern could be up for the challenge to face either Chelsea or Atletico, though, in an effort to get one up on their historical opponents.
Group D – Barcelona/Juventus
Two teams that Bayern Munich are very familiar with, having faced them both several times in recent years. Juventus are a team with enough cover in almost every position. Should the two clubs be drawn together again, both Mario Mandzukic and Douglas Costa will have big points to prove against their former clubs. As for Barcelona, their La Liga performances have earned them top spot, but a dependency on Lionel Messi really seems hinder them. An out of form Luis Suarez is still a dangerous player, though, and Bayern can’t afford to discount him.
Group E – Liverpool
One of the less imposing groups this year, Liverpool would be hard done by if they do not finish top. A team with a lightning quick attack, their defense leaks goals left, right and center, and that can be a big problem. Just because the team is struggling to defend, however, does not mean that Bayern would automatically go through. In a pre-season match just a few months ago, Liverpool got three past a Bayern Munich who failed to score one.
Group F – Manchester City
Maybe the most in-form team around, Bayern fans are very familiar with what Pep Guardiola can do with a team. A team with no discernible weaknesses, facing Manchester City will be a much bigger test this season than in those past. Pep’s completely revamped squad is taking the Premiership by storm and is charging away in first place with a five-point lead. His away record with Bayern in the Champions League was far from brilliant, but Pep’s teams can turn it on when they need to.
Group G – Besiktas
Besiktas currently stand undefeated in their group. Their star striker, Cenk Tosun, was linked with Bayern earlier in the year, and — with 24 goals to his name after last season — it is not hard to see why. He is not their only danger, however. Ricardo Quaresma has already bagged an assist in every game thus far. Couple that with the intimidating atmosphere that fans of the Black Eagles create, visiting this team would be no picnic for die Bayern.
Group H – Tottenham/Real Madrid
Much like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur are currently playing some of the most effective football in England. A quiet yet meteoric rise from mid-table to title-challenger, Spurs have managed to get over the loss of Gareth Bale and found their new golden boy in Harry Kane. On a prolific course to become one of England’s best, the partnership he holds with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen finally makes Tottenham a force to be reckoned with.
As for Real Madrid, the team looks a shadow of their former selves, most recently losing 3-1 at home to Tottenham. Currently struggling at third place in La Liga, four points behind Valencia and eight points off leaders Barcelona, this may be the best time for Bayern Munich to face Real Madrid. It could provide the perfect opportunity to get revenge on last season’s bitter losses.
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Conclusion
Many of these groups are still wide open with very little guaranteed. One thing is for sure, however: coming in second will put Bayern Munich in a position where they have to give everything they possibly have as they will be going up against incredible opponents.